TTG Consultants
TTG Consultants Human Resources Consultants Specializing in  Career Management and Corporate Change
HOW TO CREATE A RAISE -
IF YOU DON'T DESERVE IT NOW!

by David J. Bowman

Many Americans are working in organizations that haven't provided the raises or promotions they think they deserve. If you haven't received enough recognition, there are some things you can do to create a raise or promotion. Follow these steps and you'll find your situation quickly improving.

First, look for tough problems to solve. Organizations usually reward problem solvers. So many employees just do their jobs and nothing more, and when a problem arises in their department they say, "that's not my job," and leave the solution to others. That's not going to get you recognition. Continually ask the boss if there's something you can do for him/her, and at the first sign of an opportunity, grab it and run with it.

Next, be a team player. Recognition often comes to groups of employees that create excellent results. In today's "downsized" economy, self-managed teams often are formed for various important projects. These teams can be comprised of many people from different departments and functions, so being a part of one is a great way to network and become known throughout the organization. Seek out these groups and self-managed teams and try to be invited to join them. As a "loner," it's sometimes more difficult to be recognized by management.

Build a network of friends and acquaintances inside and outside the organization. Join in on the planning of company sponsored events, which will allow you get to know others in different parts of the organization. These people can be very helpful when you want to join a team, or if you decide you want to change departments. Also, join associations that focus on an industry or function. Other members can keep you informed about opportunities outside your current company.

Next, do something uncommonly well that's important to the organization - whether on a team or in a solo capacity. Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities to become involved in these projects, since top management usually tracks them closely. When involved, do your very best. Put in extra hours if needed. Throw yourself into the project as if it's your own business.

Be positive about change. Don't resist it. Instead, welcome it. The world today is changing at incredible speed, and organizations must continually transform themselves in order to stay ahead of competition. You must constantly look for opportunities to change - to make your function or department better, more productive, more cost-effective.

Don't fear failure - "just do it!" Many of us are afraid to suggest or do something different for fear of failure and the possibility of ridicule from others. Remember that all innovation involves doing something different. Some actions succeed and some fail, but if failure occurs, true innovators go on to the next new thing. Reward is rarely given to those who take no chances and merely follow.

Engage in visi-posure, visible exposure. This is one of the best methods to gain the attention of top management. Visi-posure consists of many things. One of these is writing articles for the company newsletter, or a local publication, about something you know well. These can't be self-serving, but if you either challenge conventional wisdom on a topic and/or describe some enlightening experiences you've had, your articles likely will be published. And, not only is the editor of the company newsletter always looking for new material, management normally reads it with interest!

Other visi-posure activities include making speeches to local community groups about topics you know well. Later, these speeches can be translated into articles for publication. Also, seek out opportunities to be interviewed on local radio and television stations about topics of local interest. In short, try to become an "expert" on subjects about which you're familiar. Management likes to employ "experts" and usually rewards them generously.

Next, learn to communicate well, both verbally and in writing. If you can't articulate your thoughts, nobody will listen to you - you'll be ignored. You have to be able to bring others to your point of view, and to do that you must be articulate. This includes both speaking clearly and concisely in presentations and writing well-organized reports, documents and proposals. If you lack these abilities, enroll in a speech or writing class at a local college or high school. These often are conducted in the evening or on weekends, and require very little of your time. The results can be significant for your compensation.

Know yourself well. Understand your interests, strengths and weaknesses. Try to engage in activities that involve your interests and use your strengths. Avoid those that require your weaknesses. There's an old adage that says, "you do best what you best like to do." And, doing so will certainly take you a long way to success and higher compensation.

There's no reason for anyone to languish in obscurity, with few if any raises or promotions. But advancement must be pro-active, and by using these methods and techniques, you'll soon have created your raise or promotion. And, if you continue to use them, you'll be on your way to stardom!


Dave invites you to read other inspiring articles FREE.

  • Resolving Conflicts - Equitably!
  • Resolving to Seek Higher Pay Sets an Achievable Goal
  • FORBES: Tips for Execs to Prevent Disgruntled Worker Backlash
  • FORBES: Execs Bulk Up on Protection as Violent Threats Rise
  • Want to Be a Hollywood Star? Here Are Some Tips...
  • Avoiding Workplace Litigation - Part I
  • Avoiding Workplace Litigation - Part II
  • Where's the People Factor?
  • Are YOU Ready for Radical Change?
  • Five Best Ways to Build... And Lose... Trust in the Workforce
  • Job Survival Skills for a New Century
  • Your Career is a Business... So Run it Like One!
  • Free Trade... Good or Bad for US Workers
  • A Personal 'Mission Statement' Spells Success
  • Getting Ahead Isn't Playing Politics!
  • The Tele-Work Option
  • Stress in the Workplace
  • Where Has All the Loyalty Gone?
  • Keeping Teams Effective
  • Hiring & Firing Employees: Don't Force "At-Will" In Writing
  • The Problem of Sexual Harassment
  • Workplace Violence - A Real Killer!
  • Resolving Conflicts - Equitably
  • Excellence - Just a Little Better Than Average
  • Are You Adept At Adapting?

    Find out more about Dave Bowman...

  • Dave's Biography
  • Motivational and Strategic Speaker
  • See and Hear Dave
  • Contact Dave

    Back to the Site Map


  • 4201 Wilshire Blvd; Suite 430 Los Angeles, CA 90010 | Phone: 323/936-6600 or 800/736-8840 | Fax: 323/936-6721 | E-mail: Click here
    Corporate/Commercial Services Government Services Personal Career Services What They Are Saying Free Stuff About Us Our Clients Articles Site Map

    Home | About TTG | Site Map | Career Transition Outplacement | Organizational Development
    Personal Career Advancement | Recruiting Services